Capturing Television History, One Voice At A Time

Doris Singleton

"Learn as you go along, listen to and watch people. Watch performers who are good performers. And don't rely on idiot cards and teleprompters and so forth. Have it in your head."

About This Interview

In her nearly three-hour Archive interview, Doris Singleton talks about her early career as a ballet dancer in New York. She describes her work as a singer and actress in network radio, where she appeared on many of the medium's now-classic shows. She speaks in great detail about her recurring role as "Caroline Appleby," one of Lucy's friends, on the classic television sitcom I Love Lucy. She talks about the production of the series, Lucille Ball's working style and the shows frequent famous guest stars, including Harpo Marx. She also discusses several of her other memorable guest appearances on television through the years, including her appearance as "Magda" on Hogan's Heroes. During the interview she speaks frequently about her late husband, comedy writer Charlie Isaacs, to whom she was married for 60 years. Jennifer Howard conducted the interview in Los Angeles, CA on April 21, 2005.

Professions

Did Doris Singleton ever have any type of nose surgery? Her looks seem to have changed a bit. Anyone agree?

Submitted by Bruce Winston on Sat, 2012-06-30 23:47.

I hope if I am lucky enough to reach the age of 92 that I look have as good as
Doris Singleton did. She doesn't appear to have had any noticeable cosmetic surgery. She was one of my favorite TV character actresses and will be remembered as long as the episodes in which she appeared are available for showing on the Internet. Rest in peace, dear Carolyn Appleby.

Submitted by steve on Sat, 2012-06-30 06:33.

i LOVE HER. after watching the entire interview i just love her !!! so sweet and has forgotten half her carrer !! sweet xoxoxox

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2012-06-28 21:18.

It's always sad when one of our early and talented TV actors passes. It is my wish that I and, others who appreciate the TV shows of years gone by, have an opportunity to see such great classics aired again for us all to enjoy.

Submitted by "I Love Lucy" Fan on Thu, 2012-06-28 20:33.

What a beautiful woman, to be blessed with so many memories, and history, and a 60 year marriage, which was difficult to hold on to in show business. RIP I love Caroline Appleby.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2012-06-28 13:56.

I loved her on Lucy almost as much as I loved Lucy. Whe Lucy and Ethel take her glasses, it's hysterical!

Submitted by Lucy Lover on Thu, 2012-06-28 04:21.

RIP Doris. I remember her in so many great shows. she seems like such a nice person in this interview.

Submitted by kduideo on Sun, 2011-05-08 00:31.

Does she still act??

Submitted by xxlboxers on Wed, 2011-03-23 22:40.

I've always loved Doris - God bless her!

Submitted by cristhianaviles on Tue, 2010-12-28 05:49.

En qué año fue hecha esta entrevista?

Submitted by spazzcat03 on Mon, 2010-11-15 01:51.

Doris you were great with Annie Farge on The Angel show from 1960 , I'm a big fan of that show I could watch it all the time !

Submitted by spazzcat03 on Mon, 2010-11-15 01:26.

Loved her on Angel with Annie Farge and the rest of the cast . Where are they today ?

Submitted by spazzcat03 on Wed, 2010-10-13 22:40.

I wish Doris Would have talked more about being on The Angel Show . i love that show it's so funny , Doris and Annie Farge were great together along with the rest of the cast.

Submitted by mallyrose87 on Thu, 2010-10-07 08:40.

Caroline Appleby really aged beautifully.

Submitted by cutandpaste1 on Sun, 2010-09-05 18:50.

sexy is always sexy

Submitted by ShockDoc on Tue, 2010-08-24 15:30.

I always thought she was one of the sexiest women on TV.

Submitted by PAMAROSHOUSE on Sun, 2010-08-15 01:59.

i was hot for her on lucy

Submitted by Duke535 on Mon, 2010-08-09 23:27.

@ChandlerandMonica83
Ain't it the truth? I wish older folks would publish, somewhere, their lifelong health habits, if any. In other words, what does this lady eat?! George Burns claimed to take a few walking laps around his pool every day, along with his Martinis and cigars!